Encouraging regular physical activity

Less than a third of Australians are getting enough physical activity to benefit their health. This can lead to increased risks of chronic disease and mental ill health, and has been estimated to cost the Australian economy a total of $13.8 billion each year.

Increasing participation in physical activity has health, social and economic benefits. As well as the health gains to be made by preventing chronic disease, the benefits include promoting mental wellbeing and social connections, increasing productivity, and positive changes to the environments we live and play in, such as reduced traffic congestion and safer neighbourhoods.

We partner with sports, active travel and recreation agencies, the arts, and workplaces to create new opportunities for Victorians to make physical activity a part of their daily lives.

To get more Victorians active including through sport and walking, VicHealth's strategic approach focuses on making physical activity participation part of everyday living, and competitive and social sport.

Programs and Projects

Walking

Walking is a great way of increasing physical activity and combating obesity, traffic congestion, pollution and a host of preventable diseases.

Walk to School

Walk to School is an annual event designed to raise awareness of the physical, environmental and social benefits of walking to school, and encourage school children to walk to and from school more often.